COCOMI demanded restoration of fundamental rights, safe return of IDPs, and an end to suppression of civilian voices before any tourism festival like Sanbgai 2025 is held.
BY PC Bureau
November 20, 2025: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Governor-led administration under President’s Rule, accusing it of pushing ahead with the Sangai Festival 2025 “without consent, cooperation, or confidence of the people of Manipur.”
In its press note, COCOMI said the administration had “unilaterally decided” to hold the 10-day festival at Mapal Kangjeibung from November 21, despite the continuing displacement of thousands and the absence of normalcy in large parts of the State.
Calling the decision “anti-people, insensitive, and unacceptable,” COCOMI said the festival was being imposed on a society still reeling from the ethnic violence that began in May 2023.
“At a time when thousands of our own people remain displaced, when normalcy is yet to be restored, and when the wounds of violence are still fresh, the State’s insistence on an extravagant festival is insensitive and misplaced,” the organisation said.
READ: Massive Protests By COCOMI Rock Imphal Hours Before Sangai 2025 Begins
READ: Bhagwat to Reach Out to Both Tribal, Meitei Leaders in Manipur
COCOMI Accuses Security Forces of “Brutal, Unprovoked” Action
COCOMI condemned what it described as “brutal and unprovoked actions of the security forces” during Thursday’s protests near the festival venue. Several protestors, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and women, were reportedly injured when security forces resorted to force.
The committee said the assault on people who had already suffered due to the conflict was “unacceptable in a democratic society.”
It specifically denounced the manhandling and arrest of its IPR Convenor, Laikhuram Jayenta, saying he was “brutally charged” by security personnel.
A volunteer, Shamurailatpam Devadutta, remained missing at the time of the press release.
COCOMI called the incident “excessive and targeted use of force upon civil society leaders,” describing it as a violation of democratic norms and fundamental rights.
Protest in Imphal against holding of 10 days long Sangai Festival pic.twitter.com/JYgPTHEeHp
— Bikash Singh (@bikash_ET) November 20, 2025
“Who Truly Benefits From the Sangai Festival — and at Whose Cost?”
Terming the festival a misplaced priority, COCOMI questioned the rationale behind organising a grand tourism event at a moment when thousands were unable to return home.
“What meaningful purpose does such a festival serve when the very people for whom it is intended are still unable to return home, move freely, or exercise their fundamental rights?” the organisation asked.
The committee reiterated that the administration under President’s Rule had “completely disregarded the sentiments, voices, and priorities of the people.”
It argued that the government’s insistence on continuing with the Sangai Festival raised a deeper question:
“Who truly benefits from organizing the Sangai Festival 2025 at this juncture, and at whose cost?”
COCOMI accused the administration of attempting to suppress public dissent instead of addressing urgent humanitarian concerns.
“It is shocking and disappointing that instead of addressing these urgent humanitarian and security concerns, the State machinery has chosen to suppress public dissent and impose a festival upon a grieving society,” the press note said.
COCOMI’s Demands: “Restore Rights First, Festival Later”
The organisation stressed that the fundamental rights of citizens must take precedence over any promotional event. Before holding a festival, COCOMI said the administration must:
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Restore the freedom of movement and fundamental rights of all citizens.
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Ensure safe and dignified return of all IDPs to their homes.
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Re-establish peace and normalcy across Manipur.
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Stop all forms of coercion and suppression against civilian voices.
COCOMI added that if the administration continued to ignore these priorities, it would “render itself irrelevant to the needs and aspirations of the people.”
Mass Sit-In on November 21 Announced
The organisation called for a statewide mass sit-in demonstration on Friday with two unequivocal declarations:
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“WE WILL NOT TAKE PART IN SANGAI FESTIVAL 2025”
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“RESTORE OUR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS BEFORE SANGAI FESTIVAL”
Ending its statement, COCOMI said:
“We are not a society that will trade our rights, dignity, and security for a tourism festival.”
It warned that the people of Manipur would not allow any anti-people decisions to be imposed upon them.
